Interior design is about more than creating aesthetically pleasing places; it also is about solving problems and providing functional environments that support the quality of life for all. Every day we are bombarded with stories of crises in the world, including natural disasters and the sudden havoc they wreak on communities. This interior design competition challenged students to create insightful and innovative designs to temporarily convert existing, vacant buildings into shelters that address the needs of and support the health, safety and welfare of a community in crisis.

The judges reviewed every submission down to each scaling detail, and they chose the following winner and recipients of honorable mentions.

An overall strong submission. The play between closed pods and the negative spaces that they leave behind is smart. This is one of the first projects to consider what a "shelter aesthetic" might look like for its context.” — Michael Murphy, MASS Design Group

“Great research and rationale as expressed in the problem and concept statements. Modular approach works well. I like the three location approach to provide solutions in different environments.” — Vincent G. Carter, FASID, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

“Smart solution for a tall space in that more people can be housed without it feeling overcrowded. Nice how the towers create clear programmatic zones within and between themselves. Elegant way of partitioning sleeping quarters without dividing space. Also nice how the entrant has created a narrative to walk us through the space and has thoughtfully considered the touch points and various needs along the way.” — Michael Murphy, MASS Design Group